Resources for Youth

We are here to help youth, support their well-being, and ensure connections to family, kin, extended family, friends, and community.

It is not okay for adults to hurt children and youth. Hitting, pushing, and yelling can be abuse. Neglecting, refusing to support, and not providing appropriate food and shelter can also be abuse. Abusing kids is wrong. It is never your fault.

If you are being abused, or if you think that a friend is being abused, please call us. We can help. If you are hurt or afraid, we are here to help you.

You can call us anytime day or night, to talk about your problems, or to ask for help. We are here to keep you safe.

Please call us:

If you are experiencing serious conflict in your family or you do not feel safe
If you are aware of another child/youth who may be abused or neglected
If you know or suspect that another child/youth is exposed to violence at home
If you need help regarding a pregnancy
If, as a parent, you find the stress becoming overwhelming
If you were kicked out of your house and need a place to stay

If you do need help now call us at (905) 433-1551. We’re here to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What To Do

Abuse can go on for a long time, and you may not want to tell because you think they did something wrong.

You haven’t done anything wrong.

If you are worried about yourself or a friend, please talk to someone you trust. You can talk to a teacher or your principal, or you can call us. An adult that you trust can help you. They can help you speak with someone at the Durham Children’s Aid Society to talk about your problems and ways to keep you safe.

You are important to us.

You can call us anytime—day or night, to talk about your problems, or to ask for help.

Types of Abuse

Abuse can happen repeatedly or just once. It can be:

Physical and emotional harm
Sexual behaviour or suggestion
Failure to provide proper care
Withholding affection, support, or medical care
Exposure to violence at home

Physical Abuse

Physical Abuse is:

Any physical attack, repeatedly or occurring just once
Any physical harm caused by lack of care

Emotional Abuse

Emotional Abuse is:

Constant yelling
Demeaning words or remarks
Being rejected or ignored
Threats
Verbal attacks
Exposure to violence at home

Sexual Abuse

Sexual Abuse is:

Invitation to sexual touching
Someone exposing their genitals to you
Being touched sexually
Someone asking you to expose your genitals
Someone exposing you to pornography

Neglect

Neglect is failing to provide:

Adequate food, shelter, and safety
Medical or psychological treatment
Leaving you alone, unsupervised
Adequate clothing

Signs of Abuse

Signs of abuse and neglect can vary from one child to another and may include:

Several injuries in various stages of healing
Fear of adults
Extreme aggression
Extreme withdrawal
Severe depression
Thoughts of suicide
Frequent absence from school
Engaged in delinquent acts or alcohol/drug abuse
Sexually explicit drawing or descriptions
Prostitution
Seductive behaviour

For children and youth in care

If you have concerns about your placement:

You have the right to contact the Ontario Child and Family Services Review Board if you or someone representing you feels that your rights have been violated.

If you, your parents, or someone representing you is not satisfied with Durham Children’s Aid Society’s response to your concerns, you can contact the Ontario Ombudsman at 1-800-263-2841 or email cy-ej@ombudsman.on.ca.

You are entitled to seek a review of appropriateness of your group home residence any time after the fourteenth day of placement, by contacting the Residential Placement Advisory Committee (RPAC) at 705-748-3220 (349A George St. North, Ste. 205, Peterborough, ON, K9H 3P9).